Former Strictly judge gives full marks to JFS dance and gym competition

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Philips has praised dance students at JFS following the school’s inaugural dance and gym competition.

The internationally renowned choreographer told some 30 pupils that their performances were “full of passion, of joy and spirit”.

Encouraging them to “just keep dancing”, Phillips said: “There is nothing like dancing… for life, for health, for mental health, for physical health.

“What I saw tonight was just the love of dance and I really, really appreciate it. I’m really proud to be here, judging.”

A highlight of the evening was the performance of JFS alumnus Reuben Francis, 18, who has been involved for several years with icandance, a charity which empowers children and young people through dance.

Reuben, who now leads dance sessions in SEN schools, was given a standing ovation for his powerful solo dance to Demi Lovato’s hit song Skyscraper.

Speaking afterwards to the JC, he said of his performance: “It felt great. I loved it.”

Reuben Francis performing his solo dance (Photo: JFS)[Missing Credit]

Ticket sales from the night raised over £1,000 for the charity, and its founder and CEO Juliet Diener, who was in the audience, said the purpose of the icandance was “to find that thing that makes someone shine. Dance gives young people a voice without having to say a word.”

“I love that we were able to come back to where Reuben was a student, and he was able to show a different side of himself. Reuben told a story. That’s what we focus on – young people telling stories.”

Winners for the night were Ruth Krygier, sisters Lianna and Sapira Goldman, duo Marley Davis and Sophie Toberman, and Mia Berger, Ella Fisher and Chloe Segal, who performed as a trio.

Head of dance Victoria Hammill said afterwards: “Dance just grounds everyone. It’s about celebrating students outside the classroom.”

Her colleague, dance teacher Zoe Pins said that although they do an annual dance show, the idea for the competition had come from a desire “to give the students more creative control”.

She added that she had chosen the charity icandance as she had previously volunteered there and “the experience has stayed with me all these years”.

Other alumni who returned to perform were Lila Myers, who is studying at the Brit School and Eleanor Lousky, who is training at the Broadway Dance Centre in New York and works with choreographer Abby Lee Miller, famed for the reality TV show Dance Moms.

The judging panel also included former JFS students Skye Kemsley, who is now at the Central School of Ballet, and Ozzy Berzin-Cohen, who is completing his master’s degree in performance and choreography.

Mrs Hammill said that she and Miss Pins were “incredibly proud of our students for their hard work and commitment. Having our wonderful alumni and Dame Arlene Phillips involved made the event even more special, and supporting such a meaningful cause makes this achievement truly unforgettable.”